LIBERAL member for Flinders in Victoria, Greg Hunt has been announced as the Minister for Health and Sport (PD breaking news yesterday) replacing Sussan Ley who resigned from the portfolio last week over controversies around travel expenses.
Arthur Sinodinos, who has been acting Health Minister since Sussan Ley stepped down, will take over from Hunt as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science while assistant minister Ken Wyatt is elevated to a full post as Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health.
Based in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Hunt was also Environment Minister for several years from 2013 before taking on the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio after the election last year.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the AMA, ASMI, CMA, PPA, CHF, MA and other groups have universally welcomed Hunt's appointment.
Guild national president George Tambassis, while acknowledging the outgoing Health Minister Sussan Ley for her commitment to the portfolio, said, "We are confident of a constructive and positive relationship with Mr Hunt who brings to the position a broad wealth of political experience.
"Greg Hunt takes over the portfolio at a time when there are a number of unresolved issues of concern to community pharmacy in Australia," Tambassis said.
PSA president Joe Demarte said the organisation looked forward to working closely with the Minister on key issues and reforms, including to "further optimise the contribution of pharmacists" such as their integration into GP clinics and ensuring pharmacists played a key role in Health Care Homes.
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